FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Kapadvanj, March 8

Women’s Day Event at DRISTI Don Bosco Mobilises 677 Women Against Child Marriage

10 March 2026

Education, Social Ministry,

News reported by: Ashwin Macwan SDB

More than 677 women from 45 villages gathered at DRISTI – Don Bosco, Kapadvanj, to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the successful conclusion of the 100-Day Child Marriage Free India Campaign. The event, organised jointly by DRISTI – Don Bosco, PRAYAS Organisation, and the Social Defence Office of Kheda, highlighted the urgent need to eliminate child marriage, widely recognised as a serious social evil that threatens the lives and futures of young girls.

The programme brought together key leaders from government and civil society, who stressed the importance of community action in safeguarding the rights and dignity of girls. The Chief Guest, Member of Parliament Mr Devusinh Chauhan, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message, urging mothers and community leaders to protect the future of young girls by firmly rejecting the practice of child marriage.

Guest of Honour Mrs Dharmishthaben Gajjar, Chairperson of the State Child Rights Protection Commission, Gujarat, called on women to take leadership at the grassroots level to prevent child marriage and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue education and build a secure future.

The event began with a welcome address by Fr Pratap Damor, Director of DRISTI – Don Bosco, who inaugurated the programme. Indrajeet Chauhan presented a detailed report on the campaign, highlighting the impact of the Awareness Rath, which travelled through villages during the final 15 days to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage. Shailesh coordinated the introduction and felicitation of the dignitaries.

A defining moment of the gathering came when all participants collectively took a pledge committing themselves to never support or participate in child marriage in any form, reinforcing the campaign’s mission to build safer communities for girls.

The programme also emphasised women’s empowerment and education. Interest payments were distributed to eight Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote women’s economic independence, while scholarships were awarded to outstanding girls from Gadiara village studying in Standards 5, 6, and 8 to encourage continued education.

Cultural performances brought vibrant energy to the celebration. Women from five villages presented Garba dances, prayer performances, and role plays that highlighted the importance of girls’ education and the harmful effects of child marriage. The A2J team staged a powerful drama illustrating the legal and social consequences of child marriage.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanjay Parmar, leaving participants inspired and committed to building a society free from child marriage.

Is this news useful to you?

4.00 / 5

1307

Bastin Nellissery (INK)

News Published by

South Asia Chief Editor

Join the Conversation

Your experience matters. Whether you’re a youth leader, educator, or simply passionate about making a difference—your insights add value that reporting alone can't capture. When you comment, you're not just reacting—you're helping shape a thoughtful, encouraging community.

Express your Views on News

Voices Amplified

“Can we initiate a doctoral program in Theology and/or allied subjects ... and obtain both pontifical / ecclesiastical and the national recognition? ” Read what others say.

—Thomas Koonan SDB

“A child who assist during Mass learns holiness, reverence and responsibility. They feel the joy of serving God. ” Read what others say.

—Mr. Martin Depores